5 Ways to get your child into a homework routine

Have a plan

Start by making a list of what needs to be done, says Kristen Thompson, director of LearningRx. "Let your child pick the order of completing the assignments."

Make each step of the plan specific and attainable so your child can experience success, says veteran educator and author Ali Iorio, president of Champion Parenting, Inc. "Your child will not only feel he is in control," says Iorio, "but will begin to see the results of his efforts."

Use the clock

Time management is key, says Iorio, who promotes the S.M.A.R.T. technique: Specific, Measurable, Attainable goals with clear Results in a set Timeframe.

Organize homework with a timer. "Expect kids to focus around a minute per year," says Rachel Rudman, pediatric occupational therapist and creator of Grasshopper Preschool Prep Kits. Kids work for their age in minutes, explains Rudman -- five minutes for a 5-year-old, six minutes for a 6-year-old, and so on.

The timer enables kids to put a start and finish to their work. They know that homework time will end soon and they'll be allowed a 2- to 5-minute break before returning to their work. "Break time should be done in the same room and should not involve electronics," Rudman adds.

For older students, Thompson suggests longer work periods. "Work for 20 minutes, then take a timed 5-minute break and start again." Repeat until homework is finished. "Use the timer and check off the assignments as they are completed."

Dedicate a spot

Where your kids do their homework is just as important as when they do it. "We want our kids to be independent," says Rudeman, "so choose a homework place where you can be involved and also naturally step away." The dining room table is perfect!

Keep supplies handy

It's amazing how much time a child can waste looking for pencils and paper. Keep a good supply of sharpened pencils and other school supplies near your children's designated homework station so they can't used their unpreparedness as a stall tactic.

Be consistent

Every child is different. Some children fare better when they do their homework right after school, while they're still in study mode. Others need a bit of time to unwind after sitting at a desk all day.

Once you and your child have determined the best time to do homework, stick to it as part of your daily routine. For example, says Thompson, your child's routine might be: home from school, snack, homework, break, homework, break, until the homework is completed.

More homework tips

Real Moms Guide to kids and homework
Simple ways to organize the homework area
Teacher advice for homework success